“Nurturing Seasonal Harmony In Your Yoga Practice”
Root to Rise with Your Autumnal Essence
Autumn is a good time for introspection; a time to practice grounding poses which help to slow the mind, body, and breath down, giving space for reflection and meditation. Embrace the grounding energy of autumn with our Autumn Root Flow, and let the Root Chakra guide you towards stability, security, and a deep connection to the earth. Join us in this reflective practice and discover the power of nurturing seasonal harmony in your yoga practice and daily life.This page offers a variety of information and tools you can integrate into your practice and life. Enjoy!
Dosha: the bio-energy circulating to be aware of and how it affects you. Vata - dry, airy light, cold, changeable, and mobile
Chakra: Root (Muladhara)
Element: Metal
Color: Red
New moon Dates: August 4th, September & October 2nd
Full Moon: August 19th, September & October 17th
Autumn Equinox: September 22nd
Element: Metal In the Five Element Theory of Chinese Medicine, autumn is the season of the element Metal. Metal qualities are associated with the way energy condenses, moves downward, and slows to stillness. This is a period where we may crave more sleep and gravitate toward warm and nourishing foods and pay more attention to our inner landscape.
changes remind us that nothing lasts forever. The greens of summer will give away to the brilliance of red, orange, and gold. The energy of this season marks the end of one phase of growth and regeneration, and moves into the phase of harvesting, storing, and preparing for the colder months ahead. The trees shed their leaves, drawing their energy inward. We too, go through these seasonal changes, internally and externally. It is vital to our process to let things fall off and make space for new growth.
AUTUMN AND ITS OFFERINGS
Autumn is a time of change, reflection, and grounding. As the leaves fall and the earth prepares for winter, we too can use this season to connect deeply with our roots and find stability. Our Autumn Root Flow centers around the Root Chakra (Muladhara), inviting you to embrace the grounding energy of the season to cultivate stability, security, and a sense of belonging. Let this flow guide you to anchor yourself firmly, both on and off the mat.
REST & REFLECTION
As the earth settles into a period of rest, take this time to reflect on your personal journey and achievements. Engage in grounding activities such as mindful forest walks, journaling your thoughts and feelings, or meditative moments by a cozy fire. This is a time to honor your growth, reassess your foundations, and nurture your connection to the earth.
ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT
Invigorate your body and spirit with yoga flows that emphasize grounding, stability, and inner peace. Incorporate poses that stimulate the Root Chakra, such as Tree Pose (Vrksasana), Mountain Pose (Tadasana), and Garland Pose (Malasana). Engage in outdoor activities like hiking, gardening, or simply sitting in nature to connect physically with autumn’s grounding energy.
“Celebrate the balance of light and dark, day and night, as you draw inspiration from the earth’s stability and the grounding energy it provides.”
Chakra: Root (Muladhara) Energy Points in the Body
AUTUMN AND THE ROOT CHAKRA CONNECTION
Autumn is the perfect time to focus on the Root Chakra, Muladhara, which is associated with safety, security, and our connection to the earth. As the earth nourishes all life, this chakra empowers you to feel grounded and secure, providing a solid foundation for your physical and emotional well-being.
SYMBOLISM OF THE EARTH ELEMENT
Just as the earth supports and sustains life, the earth element of the Root Chakra provides a foundation of stability and security. It symbolizes strength, grounding, and the ability to feel connected to our physical environment.
CULTIVATING STABILITY AND SECURITY
Autumn’s grounding energy mirrors the power of the Root Chakra. Let your yoga practice focus on poses that build strength and stability, such as Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I), Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana), and grounding breathwork like Deep Belly Breathing. With each breath, cultivate a sense of security and stability, both in your practice and in your daily life.
EMBRACING GROUNDING AND REFLECTION
Autumn invites you to slow down, reflect, and ground yourself. Consider practices that calm the mind and settle the body, such as gentle restorative flows, yin yoga, and grounding meditations. Engage in rituals that honor the season’s energy and your connection to the earth.
CREATING RITUALS FOR AUTUMN
Morning Grounding Meditation: Begin each day with a grounding meditation, focusing on your breath and connection to the earth.
Nature Walks: Spend time in nature, walking mindfully and observing the changes around you. This reinforces your connection to the earth’s energy.
Autumn Cleanse: Engage in a gentle cleanse to support your body’s transition into the cooler months, using nourishing foods that reflect the season’s harvest.
Intention Setting: Write down your intentions for the season and create a grounding altar with symbols of autumn, such as leaves, stones, and candles.
Community Connection: Participate in community events like harvest festivals or volunteer at local gardens, fostering a sense of connection and shared purpose within your community.
Quarterly Gathering: At the end of autumn, join us for a community gathering to honor our collective grounding and reflection. Share your experiences, reflect on the journey, and celebrate the stable energy of the season together.
SEASONAL
ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING
HOW TO VIDEO LINK
Autumn Seasonal Flow:
Integrating the 8 Limbs of Yoga for Grounding and Transformation
The 8 Limbs of Yoga, outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, provide a comprehensive path for personal development, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual practices. These eight limbs are interrelated and provide a holistic framework for living a balanced, ethical, and spiritually fulfilling life. Each limb builds upon the previous ones, leading practitioners from ethical conduct and physical discipline to deeper states of meditation and spiritual realization.
1. Yama (Ethical Guidelines): Aparigraha
Focus on Aparigraha, the yama of non-attachment. As fall brings changes and transitions, let go of what no longer serves you. Embrace simplicity and gratitude, cultivating a sense of contentment with what you have.
2. Niyama (Personal Observances): Saucha
Engage in Saucha, the practice of cleanliness and purity. With the cooling and clearing energy of fall, focus on detoxifying your body and mind. Incorporate practices like regular cleansing routines, mindful eating, and maintaining a clean and organized environment.
3. Asana (Physical Postures): Grounding Poses (click to view the Seasonal Flow Video)
Fall’s energy supports grounding and stability. Focus on asanas that connect you to the earth and balance the Root Chakra. Include:
Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I)
Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Chair Pose (Utkatasana) (click to view video)
4. Pranayama (Breath Control): Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) (click to view video) Nadi Shodhana, or Alternate Nostril Breathing, balances the mind and calms the nervous system, making it perfect for the introspective energy of fall.
How to practice Nadi Shodhana:
Sit comfortably with a straight spine.
Close your right nostril with your right thumb.
Inhale deeply through your left nostril.
Close your left nostril with your right ring finger and release your right nostril.
Exhale slowly through your right nostril.
Inhale deeply through your right nostril.
Close your right nostril and release your left nostril.
Exhale slowly through your left nostril.
Continue alternating nostrils for 5-10 minutes.
5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses): Grounding Practices
Use grounding practices to draw your senses inward, balancing the energy of fall. Spend time in nature, practice mindfulness, and engage in activities that connect you to the earth, such as gardening or walking barefoot.
6. Dharana (Concentration): Visualization
Enhance your concentration with visualization techniques. Imagine roots growing from your feet into the earth, anchoring you firmly. Visualize stability, strength, and nourishment from the ground, helping you stay focused and centered.
7. Dhyana (Meditation): Root Chakra Meditation
Meditate on the energy of the Root Chakra, Muladhara. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and visualize a glowing red light at the base of your spine. Imagine this light growing stronger and more vibrant, grounding you and providing stability and security.
8. Samadhi (Union): Connection with Earth Energy
Achieve a state of Samadhi by deeply connecting with the grounding energy of fall. Through consistent practice of the above limbs, feel the unity between your physical, mental, and spiritual selves, experiencing a profound sense of harmony and balance.